Will I end up hating Ford ??


STORMCAT

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Last week I made my first trip ever to the North American International Auto Show ever. The call of the new Ford GT convinced me to leave sunny South Florida to the cold snow belt region of Detroit. One of my biggest concerns was getting stuck there in a big snowstorm.

I arrived late on a Tuesday night. I booked a hotel directly across from the Cobo Center so I could walk to the show... My room on the 16th floor had a view of the large Ford banner displaying all of the new SVT hot rods with the GT at the front of the v. That thing is massive.. !! 150' x 120' is my guess and it was lit up at night.. The car was already calling to me !!
My flight was very late getting in so I went to bed. I awoke the next morning and looked out the window to snow flurries. Hoping it wouldn't last or be too deep I prepared to go to the show. Not wanting to carry around a heavy coat all day I decided to make a mad dash from the hotel directly to the Cobo Center.

It was only about 60 yards wearing a short sleeved shirt not wanting to get cold I hightailed it across the street and burst through the doors.. I just entered the doors and was brushing the snow flakes from my hair and eyes when I looked up and saw Andy (AJB) at a table outside the maim hall having coffee with a fellow Ford MCO friend. We talked for a few minutes and he introduced me to his friend. He knew I came to see the new beasts so we promptly went inside.

Ford had a really cool display. You had to pass by the 2 previous Ford GT creations to see the new one. It was a fitting touch to the entrance of the new display. You've already seen quite a few pictures of the new car and I doubt mine are any better. But pictures as you know don't do this car justice.
This car is a true work of art and brings out all the lust and desire for an automotive exotic that I would love to obtain.

As we all concluded it may be very difficult for us to obtain one of these creatures. I spent most of the day in the Ford section. I would approach anyone with a Ford badge and plead my case that current Ford GT owners should be at the top of the list. Anytime I saw a new Ford Rep at the Ford information counter who looked important I would repeat my spiel.
Since this was my first NAIAS I did walk around the entire show for part of the day to see some of the other cars. Of course I would always return to the Ford booth and circle the new GT mesmerized by its spell.

At the end of the day I could only bring myself to pray to the Ford GT gods that one day this car would be in my garage..:biggrin

Will I end up hating Ford If I can't get one... I am not going to say.. but I feel blessed to have My 06's and to be part of this group... Helenor will never leave home but she needs a new younger Brother !!
 

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Cobrar

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Somehow, I doubt it! ;-))
 

STORMCAT

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Some other cool historic info on display. Ford had many displays to inform the public of the Ford GT's history and it's racing record.. There was a arch above the 66 and the 2006 cars that had some fun stuff.. they had many items on the GT 350 as well ..
 

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STORMCAT

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More Ford history
 

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Vince H

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Jul 23, 2012
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Alright, praying at the alter got a laugh. Well played. I too would really love to have one some day.

Vince H
 

STORMCAT

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Wonder where this banner will end up.. ?? it's huge !! guessing 150' x 120' .. This is the one I could see from the hotel it was back lit at night.. really cool !!
 

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twobjshelbys

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Jul 26, 2010
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Las Vegas, NV
Some other cool historic info on display. Ford had many displays to inform the public of the Ford GT's history and it's racing record.. There was a arch above the 66 and the 2006 cars that had some fun stuff.. they had many items on the GT 350 as well ..

Regarding the last picture of the J7 Andretti car. You do know that the car is restored and owned by one of the principals of the Shelby American Collection and is on rather permanent display there (in Boulder, CO). They always start it up during their annual fundraiser and is loud enough to shake stuff off the walls.
 

STORMCAT

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Regarding the last picture of the J7 Andretti car. You do know that the car is restored and owned by one of the principals of the Shelby American Collection and is on rather permanent display there (in Boulder, CO). They always start it up during their annual fundraiser and is loud enough to shake stuff off the walls.

I did not know that bit of information, thank you. It must have been quite a restoration project
 

CH53Driver

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Very cool pictures and story! I wonder if the misspelling of Enzo Ferrari's name was one last little jab or an honest mistake?
 

junior

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Mar 9, 2007
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I wonder if the "buy them or beat them" poster can be available for purchase ?
 

Gene Cassone

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Thanks for sharing the above to those of us who could not make it!
 

twobjshelbys

GT Owner
Jul 26, 2010
6,053
Las Vegas, NV
J7 before

q16.jpg


and after

DSC_1517.jpg
 

Howard

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Amazing what a little polishing compound can do.

Howard
 

Superfly

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Brian, still laughing at your prayer at the altar picture! :lol I too hope that I can get one some day. Fingers, toes, whatever else I can cross, I'm doing. I doubt you'll end up hating Ford, ever. Unless they don't build it at all.

Oh, and YOUR pics of the GT40 and GT are cool, because in them you can distinctly see where the new GT gets the flying buttress look from.
 

Empty Pockets

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J7 before

q16.jpg


and after

DSC_1517.jpg


If one looks closely, it appears as though its headers were changed/replaced...like much of the rest of the car...

I wonder if the air cleaner was knocked a bit sideways, or if 'twas just sort of placed there like that after the fact?
 
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33Bravo

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If one looks closely, it appears as though its headers were changed/replaced...like much of the rest of the car...

On first read, I thought you said it looks like the headlights were replaced.
 

fjpikul

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I suggest we get up a collection to buy StormKitty some new clothes at his favorite store, Target'. Come on chief, you haven't changed clothes since Vegas?
 
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P-Tree

Member
Jan 14, 2015
11
Will I end up hating Ford If I can't get one... I am not going to say.. but I feel blessed to have My 06's and to be part of this group... Helenor will never leave home but she needs a new younger Brother !!

See, this is where you went wrong. All cars are girls, just like ships ;)
 

STORMCAT

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Alright, praying at the alter got a laugh. Well played. I too would really love to have one some day.

Vince H

Brian, still laughing at your prayer at the altar picture! :lol I too hope that I can get one some day. Fingers, toes, whatever else I can cross, I'm doing. I doubt you'll end up hating Ford, ever. Unless they don't build it at all.

Oh, and YOUR pics of the GT40 and GT are cool, because in them you can distinctly see where the new GT gets the flying buttress look from.

Yes, this car brought me to my knees !! In public no less !! ... :biggrin:biggrin
 

Stef

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Great tread Brian. I know the feeling, how bad I want one myself. I remain the consummate optimist that I do.